After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now thereis in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, havingfive porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed,waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain time into thepool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of thewater, was made well of whatever disease he had. 5 Now a certain man was there whohad an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that healready had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, "Do you want to be madewell?"

7 The sick man answered Him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when thewater is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."

8 Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your bed and walk." 9 And immediately the manwas made well, took up his bed, and walked.

And that day was the Sabbath. 10 The Jews therefore said to him who was cured, "It isthe Sabbath; it is not lawful for you to carry your bed."

11 He answered them, "He who made me well said to me, 'Take up your bed and walk.'"

12 Then they asked him, "Who is the Man who said to you, 'Take up your bed andwalk'?" 13 But the one who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus hadwithdrawn, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple,and said to him, "See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing comeupon you."

15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.NKJV

watch for nought. Even supposing that, in a few cases, remarkable signs are seen, yet these are rare, and no man has a right to look for them in his own case; no man especially who feels his impotency to avail himself of the moving of the water even if it came. It is a very sad reflection that tens of thousands are now waiting in the use of means, and ordinances, and vows, and resolutions, and have so waited time out of mind, in vain, utterly in vain. Meanwhile these poor souls forget the present Saviour, who bids them look unto Him and be saved. He could heal them at once, but they prefer to wait for an angel and a wonder. To trust Him is the sure way to every blessing, and He is worthy of the most implicit confidence; but unbelief makes them prefer the cold porches of Bethesda to the warm bosom of His love. O that the Lord may turn His eye upon the multitudes who are in this case to-night; may He forgive the slights which they put upon His divine power, and call them by that sweet constraining voice, to rise from the bed of despair, and in the energy of faith take up their bed and walk. O Lord, hear our prayer for all such at this calm hour of sunset, and ere the day breaketh may they look and live.

Courteous reader, is there anything in this portion for you?

From Charles Spurgeon's Morning & Evening - May, Day 7, Evening.

Matthew 11:28-30

28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."NIV

Like many others, the impotent man had been waiting for a wonder to bewrought, and a sign to be given. Wearily did he watch the pool, but no angelcame, or came not for him; yet, thinking it to be his only chance, he waitedstill, and knew not that there was One near him whose word could heal him ina moment. Many are in the same plight: they are waiting for some singularemotion, remarkable impression, or celestial vision; they wait in vain and